METH PLAN GETS FAINT PRAISE

B.C.'s solicitor-general says the highest penalty is of limited help
as many meth traffickers don't go to jail.

A federal crackdown on methamphetamine announced Thursday drew limited
praise in B.C., with the solicitor-general asking why it didn't include
mandatory minimum sentences and others saying it addresses only part of the
problem.

"I'm happy [about the announcement] only if we are going to address
treatment and prevention as well," said Cpl. Scott Rintoul of the B.C.
RCMP's drug awareness section.

"If we're not, then we're absolutely no further ahead."

B.C. Solicitor-General John Les said he is encouraged by the
announcement, but questioned how effective it will be to raise maximum
penalties, but set no mandatory minimum penalties.

Their comments came after federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh and
Justice Minister Irwin Cotler announced the federal government will
increase maximum penalties for possession, trafficking, production and
importation of methamphetamine, also known as meth or crystal meth.

The maximum sentence for methamphetamine production and distribution
will be life in prison, up from the previous maximum of 10 years,
bringing it into line with the penalties for similar offences
involving cocaine and heroin.

There will also be stiffer penalties for illegal possession of
precursor chemicals, such as those used to make methamphetamine. Those
convicted of such an offence face fines of up to $5,000, up to three
years in prison, or both.

"We are making a clear, unambiguous statement today about the gravity
of the offence and about the responsibility of the offender," Cotler
said.

At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Les was supportive of the
changes, but questioned why no minimum sentences were laid out.

Les pointed to sentences for those convicted of trafficking in cocaine
and heroin, which already carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

"We've seen too often in the past where [conditional] sentences have
been given for these offences," he said. "I think conditional
sentences in these cases are entirely inappropriate and I would hope
that the courts are listening today that society thinks that crystal
meth is a very very serious issue."

But Cotler said research has shown minimum sentences do not work, and
that it is more effective to send a message to the courts through a
higher maximum penalty.

A man who works with drug addicts and other marginalized people in
Vancouver's Downtown Eastside said sentencing alone cannot fix the
methamphetamine problem.

"Ten to life didn't work for cocaine, 10 to life hasn't worked for
heroin, so I'm assuming it's not going to work for meth," said Mark
Townsend, a manager with the Portland Hotel Society, which provides
housing, advocacy and clean needles for marginalized people in the
Downtown Eastside, many of them addicted to drugs.

Townsend said most addicts need support programs and long-term
treatment, and was skeptical that tougher sentencing would have any
effect.

Dosanjh agreed more needs to be done for drug treatment, and he and
Cotler said Thursday's announcement is simply part of a larger strategy.

HARD TIME:

Harsher penalties for possessing, producing and trafficking meth and
other drugs have been introduced:

- - Maximum penalty for production and trafficking of cocaine, heroin,
opium and, now, methamphetamine: Life in prison.

Previous maximum penalty for production and trafficking of
methamphetamine: 10 years in prison.

- - Maximum penalty for possession of cocaine, heroin, opium and, now,
methamphetamine: Seven years in prison.

Previous maximum penalty for possession of methamphetamine: Three
years in prison.